Native American Removal Webquest

WebQuest: The Indian Removal Act and Forced Relocations
Introduction
In the 19th century, the U.S. government passed policies that led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their homelands. This webquest will guide you through the causes, experiences, and consequences of these removals. You will investigate the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Trail of Tears, The Long Walk of the Navajo, and the Comanche removal, and reflect on how these events disrupted Native lives and cultures.


Task
You will work individually or in groups to research and create a presentation or report that answers key questions about these events. Your final product may be a Google Slides presentation, a digital poster, or a written report.


Process
Step 1: Background on the Indian Removal Act
  • Research the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
    • Who proposed it and why?
    • What arguments did supporters and opponents make?
    • How did it legally and politically pave the way for forced removals?
Suggested Resources:


Step 2: The Trail of Tears
  • Investigate the forced relocation of the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes (Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole).
    • Why were these tribes removed?
    • What was the journey like (conditions, hardships)?
    • How many people died during the Trail of Tears?
    • How did this impact Cherokee and other tribal cultures?
Suggested Resources:


Step 3: The Long Walk of the Navajo (1864)
  • Examine the events leading up to and during the Long Walk.
    • What caused the U.S. military to force the Navajo on this march?
    • What were the conditions during the Long Walk and at Bosque Redondo?
    • How did the Navajo resist or survive?
    • What were the long-term effects on Navajo society?
Suggested Resources:


Step 4: The Removal of the Comanche
  • Explore the efforts to remove and subdue the Comanche in the 1870s.
    • How did the Red River War contribute to Comanche removal?
    • What role did buffalo extermination play?
    • What happened at Fort Sill and other locations?
    • How did Comanche life and culture change after removal?
Suggested Resources:


Step 5: Reflection and Connection
  • Compare and contrast the Trail of Tears, The Long Walk, and the Comanche removal.
    • What do these stories have in common?
    • How were they different based on time period, location, or tribe?
    • What do these events tell us about U.S. policies toward Native Americans?
  • Reflect on:
    • What do you think was the most devastating consequence of these forced relocations?
    • How might these events still affect Native communities today?

Conclusion
Through this webquest, you will deepen your understanding of how U.S. expansion policies led to tragic and lasting consequences for Native nations. Your findings will help us think critically about history and its ongoing impacts.
Evaluation Criteria
  • Research & Accuracy:
    • Your project should include comprehensive and accurate information using multiple reliable sources (primary and secondary).
    • Information should be historically correct and clearly connected to the events studied (Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Long Walk, and Comanche removal).
  • Analysis & Reflection:
    • Provide a thoughtful analysis of each event, showing deep understanding and reflection.
    • Make clear and insightful comparisons between the different removals.
    • Address the long-term impacts on Native nations and modern-day implications.
  • Creativity & Presentation:
    • Present your findings in a creative, engaging, and well-organized format (Google Slides, poster, report, etc.).
    • Use visuals (maps, images, quotes) when appropriate to enhance your project.
  • Collaboration (if working in a group):
    • Demonstrate effective teamwork, with all members contributing equally.
    • Show that responsibilities were shared and that the group worked cooperatively.
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